Is the M6 the longest motorway in the UK?
England, europe
375 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Ever heard of the M6, aka the "Backbone of Britain"? This massive motorway stretches a whopping 233 miles from Rugby, near the M1, all the way north to Carlisle, near the Scottish border. It's the longest motorway in the UK and super busy, but here's a quirky twist: it's supposedly Britain's most haunted road!
We're talking phantom hitchhikers who vanish into thin air, Roman soldiers marching alongside your car (seriously!), and ghost cars that look like they've been in a wreck. Drivers have reported spooky vibes and unexplained sightings all over this stretch of road. Whether it's real or just road-trip-induced imagination, the M6 definitely has a reputation for the paranormal!
Built partially on a route used by Roman soldiers way back in 55 BC, the M6 may be one of the oldest roads in the UK.
Road Details
- Country
- England
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 375 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardCabane de Chanrion, a beautiful, remote and fantastic road
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Cabane de Chanrion: Switzerland's Hidden Mountain Gem Perched at a breathtaking 2,471 meters (8,106 feet) in Switzerland's Upper Val de Bagnes, the Cabane de Chanrion feels like stepping into another world. This charming mountain hut, originally built back in 1890, sits nestled in the Combins massif at the valley's end—a place where nature still calls the shots. Getting there is half the adventure. After threading through a 1.5km tunnel at the Lac de Mauvoisin dam, you'll tackle a delightfully narrow gravel road that hugs the western shoreline. Fair warning: this isn't a highway. Single-track, steep grades, and hairpin turns mean you'll need to take your time and hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. The scenery alone makes every twist worthwhile though—it's stunningly remote and absolutely fantastic. Here's the catch: summer is your only window. You'll need special communal authorization just to attempt the drive, and Mother Nature has the final say. Winter snowfall at this altitude can slam the gates shut without notice, keeping the road impassable for months at a time. Interestingly, this little refuge punched above its weight during World War I, serving as a strategic lookout post thanks to its panoramic vistas and proximity to the Italian border. Today, it's simply one of the most spectacular mountain hideaways you can reach by car—if you're lucky enough to get access.
hardA drive to the legendary Mount Kaliakouda
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kaliakouda: Greece's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for an adrenaline rush? Mount Kaliakouda sits pretty at 1,741m (5,711ft) in Greece's Evrytania region, claiming its place among the country's loftiest mountain passes. Nestled in the southern Pindus Mountains, this beast of a route is seriously not for the casually curious. Here's the real deal: the 15km (9.32 miles) stretch from Aniada to Stournara is completely unpaved—we're talking a gnarly, rocky surface that'll test your skills and your stomach. With over 70 hairpin turns hugging the mountainside, this isn't a drive you'll zone out on. Water erosion has carved some nasty passages, and you'll encounter potholes and debris scattered throughout, so keep your wits about you and your hands firmly on the wheel. The landscape tells a story of both beauty and strain—the road has left its mark on the environment, and landslides aren't exactly a rare occurrence up here. Expect to spend between 1 to 1.5 hours conquering the full route (and that's without pit stops). The summit welcomes brave travelers with a mountain shelter, a fitting reward after your conquest. Fun fact: this mountain was a crucial hideout for WWII resistance fighters. Fair warning though: while the road's technically open year-round, winter snow can shut things down without notice. Snow lingers on these slopes until August, so timing your visit matters. Come prepared, take your time, and respect what nature throws at you.
hardDriving the wild road to Capanna Adula
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Road to Capanna Adula: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in Ticino's Blenio district, Capanna Adula sits pretty at 2,044m (6,706ft), cradled at the base of the canton's highest mountain. Getting there? That's half the fun—if you're ready for it. Starting from the charming village of Ghirone (1,252m), you've got a wild 13.1km (8.13 miles) journey ahead. Fair warning: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The road kicks off with some pavement before diving into unpaved terrain, climbing a serious 792 meters with a hefty 6.04% average gradient. Those 13 hairpin turns? Yeah, they're tight. The route is pure mountain magic. First, you'll wind up to the stunning Lago di Luzzone (1,606m), a pristine alpine lake that's home to something wild—the world's tallest artificial climbing wall, right on the dam. Then things get seriously gnarly. The road narrows dramatically as it corkscrews upward through eye-watering hairpins before plunging into the Tunnel Carassina (also called Tunnel Luzzone). Brace yourself: this might be the tightest tunnel you'll ever drive through that's actually open to vehicles. After emerging from that claustrophobic thrill, a gentle 500m gravel stretch leads you to Passo Muazz (1,700m). From there, a final easy climb past a parking area takes you to Lago di Carassino and your destination—the welcoming Capanna Adula refuge. This drive delivers serious alpine scenery with an edge.
moderateWhere is the Strubklammstrasse?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through western Austria, right along the edge of a dramatic, 100-meter-deep canyon. Seriously, the views are insane! This road, which snakes its way behind Hinterebenau, is a total rebuild job from the L-107. Now, heads up, things can get a little dicey here. Those curves that seem charming in summer? They become a real test of skill in winter. Speaking of winter, this road is often closed due to heavy snow, so definitely check conditions before you go. And, just to keep things interesting, avalanches can block the path, especially during those colder months. But trust me, those canyon views are worth a bit of adventure!